James Hanson said he had no intention of staying at Gloucester any longer than three months when he first joined the club.

The Australian international hooker signed a short-term deal in September and has enjoyed it so much in his short time at Kingsholm that he was convinced to make the move from the Melbourne Rebels permanent this week.

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“To be honest initially I was always looking at the three months and I was contracted back home so I was always thinking I was going to go back home for at least another year or two years,” said Hanson.

“For me it didn’t cross my mind but when I came over here, got to know the guys, got to know the coaching staff, the more I was impressed and the more I wanted to stay on.

“I think by the end I was pretty keen to stay but initially I had no intentions of staying on.

“It was a difficult decision because I had a fair few things to weigh up but I think the last few months and the way I’ve enjoyed it has made it definitely a bit easier, how at home I’ve felt, the way the boys have made me feel, and I think the setup I’ve really been impressed with.”

Having played against Johan Ackermann’s Lions in Super Rugby, Gloucester’s head coach was a key reason why Hanson wanted to join Gloucester in the first place and the South African has made a big impression on him since he’s been at the club.

The 29-year-old has also been impressed by the whole setup since arriving and has fitted seamlessly into the dressing room after being made to feel at home by the rest of the squad.

“They’ve really taken me under their arms and the coaching staff as well,” said Hanson.

“The two assistant coaches (Jonny Bell and Tim Taylor) have signed on as well which is really encouraging and also Johan (Ackermann) has been a big influence for me.

GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Johan Ackermann, the Gloucester head coach looks on during the Aviva Premiership match between Gloucester Rugby and Northampton Saints at Kingsholm Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“Having played against him at the Lions for Melbourne I’ve always been impressed by what he’s done with that team and you can see even in the short time that I’ve been here what he’s trying to do and I really want to be part of that.

“I think not only is he a good coach but just a general person but is something as a player you want to see as a coach.”

Hanson has made a big impact in his seven appearances so far for Gloucester and feels Ackermann’s brand of rugby suits his game down to the ground.

“For me the main role as a hooker is always in the set piece, that’s always been a focus of mine,” said Hanson.

“But also the way Johan wants to play really suits my style.

“I’m not as big as other hookers around the Premiership but for me that’s probably my point of difference where I can almost play like another flanker on the field.”

He said: “I spoke to Nathan Charles. He was just down the road in Bath before I signed and said how much he loved his time here.

“Also Billy Meakes is another Australian that spent a few years here and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the place so I think that’s encouraging when you’re looking to move your life over here and to hear those sort of things from other Australians is a good sign.”

Hanson had spent his whole career playing in Australia before joining Gloucester but always wanted to play in the Premiership and feels he’s in the right environment to improve as a player.

“I’ve always been interested in playing on this side of the world and for myself and my wife that came in as a factor in the decision. Being so close to Europe is something we wanted to do before we got a family,” said Hanson.

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“Rugby can be a short career and you never know when it’s going to end so I think you’ve got to take every opportunity and for me it was an opportunity that was too good to pass on so I’m really happy with it.

“For me it was just about timing and the way things went back home it really was good timing.

“Where I’m at with my career and my life this was the best environment for me, not only to enjoy myself but the best opportunity for me and the best environment to become the best player I can be.